The project supports mental health psychosocial interventions through art (beaded jewelry) as well as the economic empowerment of the grandmothers trained in implementing WHO's mental health Gap Action Program (mhGAP). By engaging in traditional beading during interpersonal counseling and group talk therapy sessions, clients will also gain marketable skills as they strengthen community supports. The generated income will support mental health intervention programs among vulnerable communities.
There are over 350,000 residents across Ilala, Kigamboni, Kinondoni, Temeke, and Ubungo municipalities in Dar-es-Salaam, the majority of whom can't access mental health services due to high out-of-pocket costs. This project will address the lack of funding impeding the sustained implementation of free evidence-based mental health services as well as support the economic growth of grandmothers providing psychosocial interventions in underserved communities.
Grandmothers (aka Wisdom&Wellness Counselors) bridge the intergenerational and mental health treatment gap through art. The grandmothers are trained in handcrafting traditional beaded jewelry. The income generated from the jewelry sale will support the grandmothers, increase production, and support evidence-based psychosocial interventions among local and vulnerable communities. Access to additional funding sources will reduce interruption in implementing community-based interventions.
The project will empower people to manage their mental health and hence promote the successful performance of mental functions, in terms of thought, mood, and behavior that results in productive activities, fulfilling relationships with others, and the ability to adapt to change and cope with adversity. Improving mental health and psychosocial well-being will also improve physical health, social and community functioning, economic productivity, and reduce human rights violations.
